Does anyone know if CDs / DVDs are acceptable to toss into Chicago's Blue Bins? Or am I going to have to drop them at a specialized center? Technically, recycling in my building is handled by one of the private contractors, but I'm taking a wild stab that they have similar rules about what they handle.

The city's recycling flyer isn't particularly helpful in this regard, neither listing them as "acceptable" or "forbidden."

Rather than start a new thread I'll ask in this one. How do I dispose of fluorescent bulbs? They don't seem to belong in either the blue or black bins.

If you are talking about the long tubes (as opposed to the little curly or similar-sized CFLs), many ACE Hardware stores and Batteries Plus locations accept them. Each location is independently owned, so give them a call before you make a special trip.

If you are talking about Compact Fluorescent Lights, nearly all ACE Hardware, Home Depot, Lowes, and Ikea stores accept them.

Also, the Chicago hazardous waste facility at 1150 N. North Branch Street accepts both kinds of bulbs. Do check the hours as they are rather limited. Many suburbs also have hazardous waste facilities for their residents.

You are correct that you should not place fluorescent bulbs in either the regular recycling or garbage containers. Thank-you for making the effort to properly dispose of them.

Depending on where you are, there is a facility somewhere (reasonably) nearby that will take the spiral fluorescents. I'm in a north suburb, for instance, and we have a facility that's open on Tuesdays and Fridays; a trifle annoying, but at least it's there. The Ace Hardware near us doesn't.